Karen Bearss, Ph.D.

Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington 

Dr. Karen Bearss is a recognized leader in the field of caregiver-mediated interventions, specializing in the development and implementation of evidence-based parenting programs for autistic youth with co-occurring challenging behaviors. As Vice President of Caregiver Mediated Solutions at Catalight, she focuses on expanding accessible, equitable, and personalized interventions to diverse clinical populations. Dr. Bearss is also an Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Washington, where she provides mentorship for the next generation of clinicians and researchers focused on improving care for autistic youth and their families. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Bearss has offered critical insights into the future of the field and is a strong advocate for the integration of evidence-based treatments into clinical care. 

Dr. Bearss earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Florida. She was a key contributor to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) collaborative study on the RUBI Parent Training program, authoring the seminal paper published in JAMA and the RUBI Parent Training Manual in the Oxford University Press Programs that Work series. Her current research focuses on expanding the reach of the RUBI program through novel modalities and contexts to ensure that families receive tailored support.